Voices of condolence and determination from leaders of various countries

Translated from Seikyo Shimbun article on 22 November 2023.

At the meeting in Brazil, Youth Leader Chieji, Young Men Leader Santos, Young Women Leader Endo, and Future Division Leader Akama spoke determinedly, “The youth of Soka Gakkai takes pride and we will strive for world peace and the happiness of the people.’” (18 November at the Bauru Culture Center)

The members of SGI (Soka Gakkai International) around the world mourn for the passing of Daisaku Ikeda Sensei as they set out vigorously on a new journey towards worldwide kosen-rufu on November 18, Soka Gakkai’s Founding Day.

Brazil SGI held a nationwide leader meeting to conduct commemorative service on 18 Nov at the Bauru Culture Center in Bauru, Sao Paulo state. This meeting was transmitted online to nationwide and was attended by 20,000 members.

After watching a video of President Harada and senior Vice-President Hiromasa Ikeda’s conversation, the members solemnly performed gongyo and chanted daimoku. Thereafter, representatives of Youth Leaders make their resolution. Following that, Women Leader Selma Inoguchi made a powerful speech, “Let’s adopt the motto of faith of the Brazilian Women Division “muito mais (more) daimoku” and continue to work together for Ikeda Sensei to open up a hope-filled future for the happiness of ourselves and others.”

General Director Miguel Shiratori said, “It is up to each of us to realize Ikeda Sensei’s vision. Through prayer, gratitude, and determination, please make it a day that we will overcome the sadness together and set out to launch a new and real battle all the more to show actual proof.”

Commemorative service conducted in Hong Kong. With endless gratitude to our teacher and pride as Ikeda’s disciples, we vowed to move forward in unity of different bodies and minds to realize a world of peace and security (19 Nov at the Hong Kong Culture Center)

Concurrently, a commemorative service for HKSGI will be held at Hong Kong Culture Centre on 18 and 19 Nov. HKSGI General Director Ng Chor Yuk said, “Thanks to the ungrudging lifelong struggle of Ikeda Sensei, the great mentor of kosen-rufu, we are able to practice the Mystic Law and live a life of unparalleled happiness.” Following the “fearless’” and “invincible” spirit that Sensei had shown to us, we will hoist our sails and set out to build a happy and peaceful Hong Kong in the spirit of the unity of many in body, one in mind.

A commemorative service in Macau was held on the 19 Nov at Macau Culture Centre. In the service, General Director Li Huang Yan-ling said, “It is time for us to inherit and put into practice the guidance that Sensei Ikeda had left behind in the spirit of oneness of mentor and disciple and show the true ability of a disciple. Let’s overcome our sadness and move forward!”

At the commemorative service held by representatives of the Philippines (held on 19 November at the Philippine Cultural Center in Quezon City), General Director Alcantara said, “The day after Toda Sensei passed away, Ikeda Sensei said, “It is important for each person to take on the challenge of human revolution and achieve happiness.” “Now that we have received the baton of kosen-rufu from our teacher, let us take a step forward while embracing Sensei’s guidance in our heart. This is the only way to repay our obligation to our mentor as disciples,”

A gathering to commemorate “Nov 18” was held on the 18th at the Taplow Court Grand Culture Centre on the outskirts of the capital of England, London, where participants performed commemoration services, recited gongyo and chanted daimoku.

Voices of condolence and determination have been received from leaders of various countries.

“I am deeply convinced that our beloved mentor, Ikeda Sensei, has accomplished his lofty mission and is reporting his victory to Nichiren Daishonin and his mentor, Toda Sensei, at eagle peak. In the course of our mourning, we are chanting daimoku infused with gratitude and resolve all the more to realize the grand vision of our unparalleled mentor.”
~SGI Europe leaders, including Cochairs Suzanne Pritchard and Robert Harrap, who is also SGI-UK General Director

“I have received voices of gratitude from our members throughout England for being able to encounter Daishonin’s Buddhism and practice faith as Ikeda Sensei’s disciples. Even in deep mourning, I am deeply determined to continue to live out our life and strive for kosen-rufu with mentor in our heart. This is what I feel and I will move forward with this strong and deep determination.”
~ Justine Merchant, Women’s Leader, SGI-UK)

I strong believe that Ikeda Sensei’s expectation on us is to soar higher into the sky after “11.18”. We will put into practice the guidelines in the novel “New Human Revolution”, which Ikeda Sensei had put his life on the line to complete the novel. We have deepened our vow to build the world’s happiest Women Division and Young Women Division through ironclad unity, and to expand the movement of kosen-rufu and the solidarity of youth with even greater vigor than before.

~ Naoko Leslie, SGI-USA Women’s Leader together with representatives from Nationwide Women’s Division

When I listened to his Mrs. Ikeda’s words, I was once again deeply moved by what Ikeda Sensei said, “In accord with the Mystic Law and the undying and unaging nature of life expounded in Buddhism, I am determined to take the lead in kosen-rufu throughout eternity.” My courage surges at the thought of Sensei who will continue to take the lead in kosen-rufu throughout eternity. I am deeply grateful for the good fortune of being able to pursue kosen-rufu enfolded by the compassion of Ikeda Sensei and I am determined to strive for the peace and happiness of Oceania to the end.”
~ Fumie Hiramatsu, SGI Oceania Chief

source: https://www.seikyoonline.com/article/062B7B7DF830E1FF487F263B1A64AF2B

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